six things…

Published on August 7, 2017August 7, 2017 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

PRAY

^{Take time to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you study God’s word today!}

Proverbs 6:16-19

^{“There are six things that the Lord hates,

    seven that are an abomination to him:

haughty eyes, a lying tongue,

    and hands that shed innocent blood,

a heart that devises wicked plans,

    feet that make haste to run to evil,

a false witness who breathes out lies,

    and one who sows discord among brothers.”}
Proverbs 6:16-19

WRITE

Write down the six (or seven) things the Lord hates.
Dig into the Bible to uncover more about what God thinks about life choices.
- Haughty Eyes – Humility (Philippians 2:3)
- Lying Tongue – Put on your new self (Colossians 3:9-10)
- Hand that Sheds Innocent Blood – Reconcile (Matthew 5:21-26)
- Heart that devises and runs to evil – Set your heart on the Spirit (Romans 8:5-6)
- Bears False Witness – Put away falsehood (Ephesians 4:17-32)
- Sow Discord Among Brothers – Build up (Ephesians 4:17-32, John 13:35)

GROW

It’s easy to set our hearts and minds on earthy things. And desire to get even, exact our revenge, or get ahead at any cost. But as we see in Proverbs – it’s not something the Lord encourages. Instead we are directed in Romans 12 that ““if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Remember you get to choose what you hold in your heart. You get to choose what you act on and what attitude that you have – every day. If you know Jesus then you are a new creation and you have His Spirit renewing you day by day. Choose to set your mind on the things of the Spirit – so that you may live in light and peace! Praying for you!

Heirs

Published on April 7, 2017April 7, 2017 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

PRAY

Remember to pray & read the entire passage before you begin.

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
Titus 3:4-7

WRITE

When we believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior our relationship with God changes. When we put our faith in Jesus – we receive His Holy Spirit , and “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” Romans 8:14. We are His children – what love… what mercy…what hope…

Why did God our Savior save us when He came?
What act of His Holy Spirit took place in us at that time?
How are we justified?
Then what do we become (see also Romans 8:14-17)?
What has been poured out on us (I love this image)?
What does it mean to you to be considered an heir in God’s kingdom?
How does that renew your hope and change how you look at your circumstances today?

GROW

Praying that the reality of your identity in Christ will become more real to you today. May you hope in Him as he rejuvenates, and renews you through the work of His Spirit in your life. May your love of your Savior grow deeper and richer today as you look forward to your eternal hope! Praying for you!

Perfect Justice

Published on July 14, 2015 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

How to Act Like a True Christian – Digging Deep Into Romans 12:9-21

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'”
Romans 12:19

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage.

Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”
Matthew 7:1-5

In Jesus’ teaching on judgement, what does He reveal about our own guilt when we judge others?
We are guilty of hypocrisy. But, also, we judge only what we can see. Instead, how does God judge (Luke 16:14-15)?
God’s judgement is entirely just, judging hearts and minds. Our judgement is hypocritical and only at face value. We can not know who is truly unrighteous or ungodly. But God can. We must trust that He will enforce perfect justice. We do not know the plan of God. But we know that He can work all things together for the good of those who love and serve Him (Romans 8:28). Ask the Lord now to help you trust Him for His perfect justice and judgement. Ask Him to give you wisdom and words to face the injustices in this world and stand for His truth.

We are called to be salt and light, not judge and jury. We are told not to repay evil for evil. God is the perfect judge and His justice will prevail! Praying for you!

Blessed Affliction?

Published on June 17, 2015June 16, 2015 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

How to Act Like a True Christian – Digging Deep Into Romans 12:9-21

“Be patient in tribulation.”
Romans 12:12b

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage.
Romans 5:2b-4

The word tribulation holds many meanings from a simple sadness to great anguish. But in all states of suffering how are we called to face them?
It all goes back to the attitude that we talked about yesterday. What attitude do we need to maintain (Psalm 118:24)?
Romans 5:24 gives us a reason we should be patient in our suffering. Write it out using this format as an example Suffering = _________
And so… we end up back at Hope! What has God poured out for us?
He fills us with His love by the power of His Spirit! Read Romans 8:31-29. No matter what may come, physical trials, emotional difficulties, spiritual battles who is advocating for you?
Is there any thing that can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus?
He truly has a plan for your life to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11) and He can work all things together for the good of those who are called by Him (Romans 8:28). Listen to the song by Laura Story, “Blessings”. How does this change your perspective on suffering?

Praying that you may feel God’s amazing love poured into your heart today. May you feel His peace, provision, and guidance no matter what you are going through.